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Art Justice: Disparities in Art

@ The 224 EcoSpace - 224 Farmington Ave

Join us for "Art Justice: Disparities in Art," a compelling panel discussion at 224 EcoSpace, where three distinguished panelists will explore the inequities and challenges within the art world.

This event will delve into the systemic disparities that affect artists and communities, offering insights and perspectives on how to advocate for a more just and inclusive art landscape. Whether you're an artist, advocate, or art enthusiast, this discussion will provide valuable knowledge and inspire meaningful change in the arts.

The Panelists: 

Andre Rochester:

Andre Rochester is a Fine Artist, Curator, and Arts Advocate from the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut. Andre studied illustration at the University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts and completed his BA in Studio Art at Charter Oak State College. He also earned a MS in Organizational Leadership at Quinnipiac University. Andre is the Program Manager at The 224 EcoSpace, where he curates exhibits and oversees execution of arts events and programs, including the Artists of Color Accelerate Fellowship. He is also the Art Curator at UConn Health Center, responsible for managing and expanding a collection of over 2500 works of art across multiple facilities and organizing exhibits in the Celeste LeWitt Gallery. In addition, running his own art business, Andre coaches emerging artists, encouraging them to develop their craft with a focus on professionalism and business acumen. He believes that with every step forward, we must make room for others to join us. As an art consultant, Andre also teaches workshops, leads public arts projects, and develops art programs. You can also catch Andre speaking at museums, giving lectures, and participating in panel discussions throughout the year.

Javiera Olhaberry:

Javiera Olhaberry was born in Vina del mar, Chile in 1990. Her passion and vocation for service has given her 10 years serving individuals and their communities. Javiera's advocacy and passion for social justice has taken her where she is now, achieving great relationships with the population she serves, honoring their rights and dignity. Throughout her career as a Disability Specialist, she has found art as something more than just a hobby and today she upholds artists with mental and physical challenges to find their own identity and unique talent.

Today, Javiera is the marketing strategist at Art Connection Studio, where she strives to bridge communications and partnerships with the community and organizations such as Capitol Community College, 224 EcoSpace, WORKSPACE, Albertus Magnus College and Central Connecticut State University. Through her rewarding work with the artists at Art Connection Studio, she has contributed to and supported over 24 art exhibitions. Currently Javiera can be found working on 2 projects and is a proud mother to a lovely son.

Kolton Harris:

Kolton Harris is a creative visionary leader, educator, facilitator and multi-disciplinary artist currently serving as a program manager at the CT Office of the Arts. In his role he is charged with the mission to design programs and experiences that empower artists and demonstrate the centrality of the arts to the human experience. He spent years working with youth as the artistic and executive director of a social justice youth theater, while also instructing educators and theater practitioners in his method of devising new works of theater that center on community engagement and development.

As a recording artist, producer and musician he has created a growing body of work that sonically explores dream-like landscapes with timeless messages in both lyrical and visual presentation. He is also a director, actor and writer whose mission is to inspire the artist in every human being by telling powerful stories that can shift the culture towards a posture of innovation and forward thinking.